Rivers saw the C's drop their second straight game, this one to the Bobcats, as Boston became losers of six of its last 10 games with a disappointing fourth-quarter collapse.
Simply put, Rivers ain't happy.
"I thought our starting unit came in casual in the fourth quarter, cool, assuming they were going to win the game, screwing around, no urgency," he said. "I always say if you screw around with the game, it'll screw around with you."
You begin to think that Rivers thinks the Celtics' string of letdowns as of late may actually be good for the team. That may be the case, but to end the slide, the C's have some things they need to fix.
While many fans will blame the Kendrick Perkins trade for the Celts' misfortunes, it still may be a little early for that. With that in mind, though, you have to think the C's made the deal thinking that Shaquille O'Neal would be back at center by now. His return date continues to get pushed back more than the tiny kid on the playground. O'Neal isn't the only one who is struggling to get healthy. Jermaine O'Neal is still out, Troy Murphy is hurt and Delonte West just can't stay on the court this year.
One of the things they need to improve is the play of point guard Rajon Rondo. While the enigmatic point guard's play hasn't fallen off of the table — he still had a decent line on Friday — his shooting continues to be abysmal.
Rondo also seems to be disinterested at times, but that's probably a larger reflection of the team. The Celtics almost seem to pride themselves on being able to look horrible in March and early April, only to turn it on in time for the playoffs. This may be the same thing, but judging by Rivers' comments, that may not be the case this time around.
What has been the biggest reason for the Celtics' poor play as of late? Share your thoughts below.
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What has been the biggest reason for the Celtics' poor play as of late?survey software
